Inert Gas Sample Transfer Workflow

Inert Gas Sample Transfer Workflow optimized to help researchers

Understanding the physical and chemical properties of materials at micro and nanoscale enables researchers to explore and discover new solutions to meet the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s social and economic challenges.

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Our Inert Gas Sample Transfer (IGST) Workflow is optimized to help researchers focus on answering their most challenging questions rather than worrying about sample degradation. The IGST Workflow is designed to enable new insights into the world of air and moisture-sensitive materials.

Materials science research with the Inert Gas Sample Transfer Workflow

Materials research can lead to the development of more sustainable and efficient technologies, which, in turn, can impact areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, and environmental conservation. Many of the materials needed for this transition are sensitive to air or moisture and can experience degradation or alteration when exposed to the environment during analysis. This specifically applies to materials like reactive elements and minerals (such as lithium, sodium, aluminum, magnesium, perovskite), certain semiconductors, carbon-based materials (like graphene), and hygroscopic materials (certain salts, polymers, and organic compounds).

IGST Workflows

Experience the power of our IGST Workflow and learn more about materials characterization under argon and vacuum environments.

 

Nanoscale analysis with our FIB-SEM and TEM portfolio

Inert gas workflow for nanoscale analysis using Thermo Scientific DualBeam FIB-SEM and TEM systems

 

Step 1: Prepare air- and moisture-sensitive materials in glovebox.

Step 2: Transfer sample under inert gas or vacuum using the Thermo Scientific CleanConnect Sample Transfer System.

Step 3: Perform automated site-specific TEM sample preparation and 3D material characterization using versatile DualBeam FIB-SEM systems.

Step 4: Transfer sample  from FIB-SEM to glovebox using CleanConnect Sample Transfer System.

Step 5: Mount the TEM sample grid to TEM IGST holder in glovebox.

Step 6: Transfer sample under vacuum to TEM.

Step 7: Perform high-end imaging and gather detailed.

Step 8: Collect nanoscale analysis results without compromising  sample integrity, leaving no room for interpretation.

Sample preparation and microanalysis analysis with our CleanMill System and SEM portfolio

Inert gas workflow for nanoscale analysis using Thermo Scientific CleanMill BIB system and SEM systems

 

Step 1: Prepare air- and moisture-sensitive materials in glovebox.

Step 2: Transfer sample under inert gas or vacuum using CleanConnect Sample Transfer System.

Step 3: Perform ultra-high-energy ion milling and polishing to quickly prepare sample for imaging, EDC, or EBSD analysis using Thermo Scientific CleanMill Broad Ion Beam System.

Step 4: Transfer the polished sample from CleanMill System directly to SEM under inert gas environment.

Step 5: Image using a scanning electron microscope and microanalyze air- and moisture-sensitive materials in their native states.

Step 6: Collect pristine microanalysis results without compromising sample integrity, leaving no room for interpretation.

Microanalysis with our SEM portfolio

Inert gas microanalysis workflow using Thermo Scientific SEM systems

 

Step 1: Prepare air- and moisture-sensitive materials in glovebox.

Step 2: Transfer sample under inert gas or vacuum using CleanConnect Sample Transfer System.

Step 3: Image using a scanning electron microscope and microanalyze air- and moisture-sensitive materials in their native states.

Step 4: Collect pristine microanalysis results without compromising  sample integrity, leaving no room for interpretation.

Benefits of the IGST Workflows

Protection for delicate samples

Preserving sample integrity enables high-end material characterization in native state​.

Technology that works for you

Automation and advanced software solutions deliver results faster.

Seamless connectivity

A complete, unified workflow from Themo Fisher Scientific simplifies operation.

Applications using IGST Workflows

Whether you are conducting cutting-edge materials R&D at the atomic level or simply interested in micro and/or nanoanalysis of air-sensitive materials, our results-focused workflows can support your work.

Battery research

Lithium-ion batteries are highly efficient and deliver superior energy and power density compared to other technology. Now, the ongoing challenge is developing batteries that are safer, more powerful, longer lasting, more environmentally friendly, and more cost effective. Whether you are producing current or improved lithium-ion batteries or designing and testing next-generation battery technologies, Thermo Scientific instruments and software will help you understand their chemistry and maximize their performance and efficiency.

Advanced aluminum and magnesium research

A strong understanding of how these common metals perform on atomic and molecular levels is fundamental to creating high-performing materials. Our IGST Workflow delivers atomic and molecular insights that support every step of technological development and help you push the boundaries of metals research, even when studying air-sensitive materials.

Perovskite research

Perovskite-based solar cells are a popular research topic because of their potential to be used in future solar panels that are lightweight, can be easily deposited on most surfaces, and have greater tolerance for defects than silicon. However, some perovskite materials are sensitive to air, temperature, and moisture, making them difficult to study in their native state. With the IGST Workflow and the CleanConnect Sample Transfer System, you can easily protect sensitive samples from contamination and focus on analysis.

Catalyst research

Catalyst research is an important part of efforts to convert renewable energy to new energy carriers, including green hydrogen. Material scientists and industrial researchers working to reduce greenhouse gasses that trap heat in the atmosphere are accelerating efforts to build better green hydrogen infrastructure will pave the path to a clean-energy future. The IGST Workflow and Thermo Scientific instruments streamline that research by making it possible to observe materials in their native states.

Magnetic materials research

Magnetic materials, which can store, deliver, and convert energy, are an important part of many sustainable energy technologies. Finding ways to transform energy more efficiently and sustainably is key to improving their performance. With the right instruments and optimum workflows, you can take your magnetic materials research to the next level and discover the solutions of tomorrow.

IGST Workflow resources

Transition-metal interdiffusion and solid electrolyte poisoning in all-solid-state batteries revealed by cryo-TEM

In this webinar, attendees will explore the latest developments in full solid-state batteries with sulfur electrolytes and learn about innovative methods, including the Inert Gas Sample Transfer (IGST), for preparing sensitive battery samples for electron microscopy. Insights into microstructural evolution will be shared by experts Ruizuo Zhang and Dr. Letian Li.

 

This paper by a group of scientists from the Battery and Electrochemistry Laboratory at the Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Thermo Fisher Scientific, investigates transition-metal dissolution from a Ni-rich oxide cathode and its diffusion into a lithium thiophosphate electrolyte during battery cycling. Cryo-TEM reveals the formation of an interphase, highlighting challenges and insights crucial for solid-state battery design and performance enhancement.